Pentagon Revises Religious List After Utah Republicans Protest Mormon Classification
Pentagon quickly reversed course after Utah Sen. Mike Lee and other Republicans protested the removal of Mormon church from Christian denomination list.
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA — The Pentagon reversed course Monday after facing criticism from Utah Republicans over its removal of dozens of religious denominations from a list of recognized faiths, including the failure to classify the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Christian denomination.
The controversy erupted over the weekend when military chaplain guidelines announced Friday removed various faith groups from an official list. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican and member of the church commonly known as the Mormon church, led the charge against the Pentagon’s decision.
“It’s also just repugnant to any sense of decency, any sense of our common heritage and our common belief that the government needs to not weigh in on doctrinal disputes between various religious denominations,” Lee said in a video statement posted to social media Sunday night.
Senator Appeals Directly to Defense Secretary
Lee called the Pentagon’s policy “offensive” and made a direct appeal to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. “So I’m respectfully imploring the people at the Pentagon to reconsider this, not just reconsider but undo it,” Lee continued in his video statement. “Secretary Hegseth: Tear down that wall. This is not cool.”
Hours after his public statement, Lee revealed he had contacted President Donald Trump directly about the issue. “I won’t speak for him, but I’m thrilled about where this is heading,” Lee wrote on social media. “We’re most fortunate that President Trump (1) loves Latter-day Saints, and (2) is our commander in chief.”
Pentagon Issues Quick Reversal
The Pentagon responded swiftly to the political pressure. Just after noon Eastern time Monday, the Pentagon pointed States Newsroom to a social media post showing an updated list without the word “Christian” before any of the denominations.
A spokesperson with Lee’s office told States Newsroom Monday that the senator received assurances from the administration that the issue will be resolved. The Pentagon confirmed its position that determining theological classifications falls outside its purview.
“The Pentagon’s job is not to adjudicate theological debates, but instead to ensure sincerely-held faith” is respected, according to the updated Pentagon guidance. The department’s quick reversal demonstrates the administration’s responsiveness to concerns from Republican lawmakers over religious freedom issues.
Impact on Military Chaplain Services
The original policy change would have affected how military chaplains categorize and provide services to service members of various faiths. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a significant presence in Utah, Lee’s home state, and among military personnel nationwide.
The controversy highlighted ongoing tensions over how government agencies classify religious denominations and the extent to which federal departments should make distinctions between different faith traditions. Lee’s direct appeal to President Trump proved effective in securing a rapid policy adjustment.
The senator’s successful intervention reflects the influence of Utah’s congressional delegation and the Trump administration’s willingness to address religious freedom concerns raised by Republican allies. The Pentagon’s revised approach removes potentially controversial theological categorizations while maintaining recognition of diverse faith traditions within the military.
